Snuneymuxw Denounces Violence and Demands Return of Flag from Nanaimo City Hall

Sep. 14/17

The Snuneymuxw First Nation government is deeply concerned about the violence experienced by Ms. Tracy Samra in her role as City Manager of Nanaimo and the denial of that violence by Mayor Bill McKay. Snuneymuxw condemns both the violence and the denial of violence and is demanding the return of the Snuneymuxw Flag that flies over Nanaimo City Hall.

“The Snuneymuxw First Nation is committed to working collectively with the citizens of Nanaimo and their government to build new patterns premised on recognition, respect, reciprocity, justice, and reconciliation. However, we cannot sit idly by in the face of violence against an Indigenous woman - we are compelled to rise to speak out against this,” said Chief John Wesley. “I brought this resolution forward to denounce violence against Indigenous women and to censure the Mayor’s denial of that violence. Both are totally unacceptable and reprehensible,” added Councillor Doug White III.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is actively engaging across Canada seeking understandings about violence in our society against Indigenous women and girls – a critical issue that has plagued society. In addition to condemning the violence and denial of that violence, Snuneymuxw has determined that the Snuneymuxw Flag can no longer fly at Nanaimo City Hall as the actions therein have brought dishonour to the sacred symbol of our Nation.

The Snuneymuxw Government will be attending at City Hall on Friday, September 15th at noon to retrieve the Snuneymuxw Flag.